Del. David L. Englin (D-Alexandria) launched a Web-based telephone campaign to try to stop Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli II from filing a lawsuit challenging the federal health-care bill that is expected to be signed into law by President Obama today.

"This is an egregious waste of taxpayer dollars that could stop Virginians from enjoying the benefits of health-care reform," Englin said. "He claims he's received nothing but positive feedback from Virginians, but I have constituents call me every day asking what they can do to oppose Cuccinelli's efforts. This online campaign will help them make their voices heard."

Cuccinelli said Sunday that he has prepared his court filings challenging the constitutionality of the bill and will file suit on behalf of the commonwealth in the Eastern District of Virginia "as soon as the ink is dry" on Obama's signature on the bill.

Englin's campaign can be found online . He sent an email to supporters announcing the campaign.

We have asked for a response from the attorney general's office but have not heard back yet.

Virgina passed a Law that makes the mandatory healthcare coverage portion of the Federal Bill ILLEGAL under a Law that is first in its area. The Virgina Law predates the Federal Law. This is a VERY important point.

The 10th Amendment says that any power not specifically given to the Federal Government is RESERVED for the States and the Citizens themselves.

"Virginia's lawsuit invokes a newly signed state law that says that no resident can be compelled to have health insurance, nor can they be forced to pay a fine or penalty for refusing health coverage."

This is only a waste if you don't want the Bill signed into Law to suffer any scrutiny whatsoever. If there is nothing wrong with the Law, this is still not a waste, since it will validate the Law against this accusation, for whatever that validation might be worth.

However, this challenge has a very HIGH likelihood of success, which is SPECIFICALLY why David L. Englin is spouting off. He wants the Law to survive, even if it SHOULD BE DECLARED UNCONSTITUTIONAL!

I say that the Republicans should act just as the DEMOCRATS IN CONGRESS AND THE WHITE HOUSE DID!

To use a famous quote:

"Damn the torpedoes, FULL SPEED AHEAD!!!"

I can see the ObamaCare bill burning and sinking already!!! And THAT is not a waste!!!

"This is an egregious waste of taxpayer dollars that could stop Virginians from enjoying the benefits of health-care reform," Englin said. "He claims he's received nothing but positive feedback from Virginians, but I have constituents call me every day asking what they can do to oppose Cuccinelli's efforts. This online campaign will help them make their voices heard."

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I believe him when he says he's getting a lot of calls to oppose Cuccinelli's efforts, but I'd wager that 80 percent of those calling are those who do not have health insurance currently and stand to get it for free off the taxpayer's dime.

Virgina passed a Law that makes the mandatory healthcare coverage portion of the Federal Bill ILLEGAL under a Law that is first in its area. The Virgina Law predates the Federal Law.
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The Virginia Law predates the Federal Law by mere DAYS - It was passed with the specific anticapatory intent that Health Care Reform would be enacted, to set a snare whereby a challenge could be mounted. The new Virginia Law does not even go into effect until July 1.

I think that Cuccinelli is grandstanding. His plan certainly is not representative of my voice. I agree that this is an embarassment to the Commonwealth and a waste of our money.

For the sake of Hampton Roads what would it profit for this law suit to go any further when Va. has so many money problem.
This is a waste of tax payers money when there is gridlock and cuts on cuts. Who ever said that the calls made were people who are looking for a free ride.They must do not know what it is like to be without health care. I am retired Civil Service with health care. Where is the compassion?

All these complaints about grandstanding and wasting taxpayer's money are just so much fluff. If you can't attack the message on its merits, of course you attack the messenger.

Don't think people can't see through you, Englin.

82% of the VA House and 57% of the Senate voted for protecting the rights of Virginians to choose how to buy their own health care. Of COURSE the AG needs to defend it in court.

Here is the entire text of the VA bill:

§ 38.2-3430.1:1. Health insurance coverage not required.

No resident of this Commonwealth, regardless of whether he has or is eligible for health insurance coverage under any policy or program provided by or through his employer, or a plan sponsored by the Commonwealth or the federal government, shall be required to obtain or maintain a policy of individual insurance coverage. No provision of this title shall render a resident of this Commonwealth liable for any penalty, assessment, fee, or fine as a result of his failure to procure or obtain health insurance coverage. This section shall not apply to individuals voluntarily applying for coverage under a state-administered program pursuant to Title XIX or Title XXI of the Social Security Act.

I am proud that Virginia was first in the nation to uphold this important principle of individual liberty and freedom. If we don't get to decide how we spend our own money on our own bodies, then I say government has crossed a line.